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Planning & Zoning
The City of Ionia is a zoned community. On this page, you will find documents and links to learn about the City's land use plans and zoning regulations.
Annually the Planning Commission provides a report to City Council summarizing all community development related activities from the previous year. The report includes code enforcement, zoning permit, and rental certificate information. View the complete Planning Commission Annual Report 2024 (PDF) for more information.
If you have questions, email Jonathan Bowman, Assistant City Manager, or call directly at 616-523-0147.
The City of Ionia 2025-2030 Master Plan (PDF) has been prepared by the Planning Commission under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Public Act 33 of 2008, as amended. This document is a major update from the 2019 Master Plan and added a new subarea plan focused on the redevelopment of the former Deerfield and Riverside complexes.
Zoning Code
City of Ionia Code of Ordinances, Part 12, Title Six, Zoning
Zoning Map
The City of Ionia last updated its Zoning Map in December of 2024.
View the Zoning Map - City of Ionia (PDF) for more details.
For more information, download the Municipal Standards, Design, and Construction for Land Development (PDF).
The administration and enforcement of the building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes are handled by the Ionia County Building Department. Visit the Building Department website for more information.
The City of Ionia has created a Guide to Development to provide a detailed look at the development process in Ionia. Any questions can be emailed to Assistant City Manager Jonathan Bowman.
To view the full guide, download the Guide to Development (PDF).
Prior to beginning any development process in the City of Ionia, applicants are encouraged to meet on an informal basis with the City Manager's Office/Zoning Administrator to discuss the proposed project and review the submittal requirements. This meeting can help facilitate the approval process once a formal application is submitted. In order to request a conceptual review or pre-application meeting, please contact Assistant City Manager by phone at (616) 523-0147 or by email at jbowman@ci.ionia.mi.us.
In order to make the best use of time, the following should be known / available:
- Location of site
- Existing land use
- Intended development (residential, office, retail, manufacturing, etc.)
- Preliminary sketches (hand drawn are sufficient)
- Surrounding land uses
- Any other additional information such as flood zone status, expected parking, etc. are helpful but not required.
At the meeting, staff will cover the following:
- Review the proposed use for general conformance with existing zoning
- Provide initial feedback on design (if applicable)
- Identify the correct process (site plan review, special land use, variance, etc.) and walk the applicant through what to expect, identify timelines
- Identify other possible agencies to engage such as MDOT, Ionia County, etc.
- Answer any additional questions you may have pertaining to development in the City.
Planning and Zoning Fees
Applications
- Accessory Structure Permit Application (PDF)
- Fence Permit Application (PDF)
- Home Construction-Addition Permit Application (PDF)
- Land Division Application (PDF)
- Open Space Neighborhoods Application (PDF)
- Planned Unit Development Application (PDF)
- Rezoning Application (PDF)
- Site Condominium Application (PDF)
- Site Plan and Special Land Use Permit Application (PDF)
- Site Plan Review Application (PDF)
- Site Plan Review Document Package - Flowchart (PDF)
- Subdivision Platting Application (PDF)
- Zoning Variance Application (PDF)
Related Documents
- Sign Fee Schedule (PDF)
- Permanent Sign Permit Application (PDF)
- Vertical Pole Banner Application (PDF)
Quick Links
Sign Regulations
Chapter 1284 of the City of Ionia Codified Ordinances outlines all sign related regulations. For more information, review Chapter 1284 using the City's online Code.
The City of Ionia regulates all food trucks as Mobile Food Vending Units (MFVUs) in Chapter 1293 of the City Codified Ordinances. A permit is required to operate anywhere within the City's corporate boundary. Food trucks associated with a public event/street closure will need to be included on the Parade and Street Closure permit application.
All regulations related to food trucks can be found in the attached Chapter 1293. The permit applications associated with food trucks are available for download.
Qualifications for Application: An applicant for approval of a Medical Marihuana Facility shall be a person who is also an applicant for a state operating license issued pursuant to the Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act, MCL 333.27101 et seq. An applicant for approval of a Marihuana Establishment shall be a person who is also an applicant for a state operating license issued pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, MCL 333.27951 et seq. as amended. An application for a Medical Marihuana Facility or a Marihuana Establishment must include an application for a Special Land Use as required by Chapter 1274 of the City of Ionia Zoning Ordinance and an application for Site Plan Approval as required by Chapter 1276 of the City of Ionia Zoning Ordinance.
To learn more about the City of Ionia Planning Commission, please visit our Boards and Commissions page.
The Planning Commission's regular meeting schedule (2nd Wednesday of the month) can be found on our City Calendar page. The public is welcome to attend Planning Commission meetings.
New Ordinances
View ordinances that have been passed by City Council but have not been codified.
- Ordinance Number 592 - Recodification through 3-5-25 (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 593 - Rezoning of 848 and 850 E. Lincoln Ave. (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 594 - Amend Ch. 1276: Site Plan Review (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 595 - Alcoholic Beverages (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 596 - Fire Recovery (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 597 - Deerfield Business Park Zoning (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 598 - Short-Term Rentals (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 599 - Amend Ch. 858: Renting of Residential Property (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 600 - Accessory Dwelling Unit Fees (PDF)
- Ordinance Number 601 - Parking as Accessory Use (PDF)
Proposed Ordinances
View ordinances that have been proposed and are being considered within the City of Ionia.
Explore detailed data and insights about the City by using the City of Ionia Community Profile from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This resource highlights key information on demographics, workforce, housing, and economic opportunities that help showcase what makes Ionia a great place to live, work, and invest.
- How do I pay development-related permit and application fees?
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All fees associated with a permit or application should be indicated on the application. Payments can be submitted using cash, check, or a credit card with the application at City Hall. If you would like to pay the associated fee online, an invoice can be requested. Once an invoice has been made, the applicant would use the Online Payment portal on the City's website and search for the invoice under miscellaneous receivables.
- I am going to resurface my driveway. Are there any standards that I need to follow?
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The City's Zoning Ordinance does not have a specified distance that your driveway must be from your property line. It is always a good idea to discuss your plans with your neighbor so that you agree on the actual location of the shared property line.
- I would like to construct a fence on my property. What are the rules and what is the process that I need to follow?
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The City's Zoning Ordinance establishes different rules for fences in side/rear yards and front yards.
Front Yard
- Shall not block the view of traffic.
- Shall consist of split rail, decorative iron, wood, engineered wood or plastic products, or similar material.
- Shall not be chain link, snow fence, woven fence, or rubber of any kind.
- Shall not exceed 50% in opacity.
- Shall not be installed within the street right-of-way.
- The finished side shall face the exterior of the property.
- Fence posts may not be taller than 48 inches with the fence no higher than 42 inches.
Side / Rear Yard
- Shall not exceed 6 feet in height
- Shall not extend toward the front of the lot nearer than the front of the house or the required minimum front yard, whichever is greater.
- May be placed on the property line (be sure to consult with your neighbor to be sure that you agree on the location of the shared property line).
- The finished side shall face the exterior of the property.
Process
A zoning permit is required from the city before construction. In order to secure a permit a plot plan (sketch) illustrating your property and the location where the fence is to be constructed must be submitted. A description or illustration of the type of fence that you propose to construct must also be submitted.
Please note: A few of the neighborhoods in the City have specific neighborhood rules (deed restrictions). If you reside in one of the neighborhoods with specific rules, be sure to consult those rules as well.
- I would like to build a detached garage or storage shed. What are the rules and what is the process that I need to follow?
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It depends on the size of your lot. Additionally, standards vary from zoning district to zoning district. Standards that apply to all residential zoning districts include the following:
- Shall only be located on a lot where there is an existing primary structure (residence).
- Shall only be located in the rear yard. Special standards apply to corner lots.
- Shall be setback a minimum of 6 feet from any lot line and shall not be placed closer than 10 feet to any building on the same lot.
- Structures that are at least 200 square, but less than 600 square feet, in size shall be securely attached to a foundation, footing, or concrete slab.
- Structures that are more than 600 square feet in size shall be securely attached to a frost-free footing meeting building code requirements.
- Shall not be constructed of cloth, canvas, plastic film, nylon, or similar pliable material. The portable garages (sometimes referred to as car canopies or temporary carports) that are sold at the home improvement stores are not permitted.
The number, size, and height of the garage or storage shed that may be constructed must meet specifications. Contact the planning and zoning department for specifications.
Process
A zoning permit, and in some instances a building permit, is required before you begin construction. In order to secure a permit a plot plan (sketch) illustrating your property and the location where the garage or shed is to be constructed must be submitted. The plot plan should also illustrate the size and setbacks of the existing buildings on the property. A sketch of the garage or shed to be constructed must also be submitted. More detailed construction plans may be necessary if a building permit is required.
- I would like to construct an addition to my home. How large can I build it and how far must it be from the property line?
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The answer to both parts of this question depends on the zoning district in which your property is located. The setback requirements and the total area that a lot may be covered by buildings will vary from zoning district to zoning district.
Please consult with City Hall about information for your specific situation.